'I'm a dermatologist - some of the first signs of diabetes can appear on the skin'
Diabetes symptoms aren't always obvious, but a doctor has listed all the signs that can appear on the skin - and they could be the first indication of the condition.
Diabetes symptoms are often hard to pick up because they don’t necessarily make you feel unwell. This makes symptom awareness key.
Fortunately, a dermatologist has shared the six early signs of the blood sugar condition that can be spotted on your skin.
Speaking on his TikTok channel, Dr Scott Walter, a board-certified dermatologist, said: “What’s crazy is that a lot of these skin signs can be the first signs that you’re developing diabetes.
“And the sooner you get that diagnosis under control, the better off you’ll be.”
1. Discolouration of neck, armpits, and the back of your hands
The first red flag the doctor recommended looking out for is a discolouration that’s usually velvety in texture and hyperpigmented, so brown or black in colour.
Diabetes symptoms aren't always obvious, but a doctor has listed all the signs that can appear on the skin - and they could be the first indication of the condition.
@denverskindoc Nov 14th is World Diabetes Day! Did you know your skin could tell you that you may have diabetes or pre-diabetes? #diabetes #acanthosisnigricans #skintags #skin #todayilearned #worlddiabetesday #prediabetes #necrobiosislipoidica #healthpsa #glucose #diabeticdermopathy ♬ original sound - Dr. Scott Walter | Derm
While this sign, also known as acanthosis nigricans, tends to appear mainly on your neck, it can also strike in your armpits or even the back of your hands.
“It’s a skin condition we often see in people with diabetes or who are prediabetic,” Dr Walter added.
2. Skin tags
Another common warning sign is skin tags. “If you’re developing a lot of skin tags all at once that can also be a sign of diabetes,” the doctor said.
Don't miss...
Doctor warns red flag sign of diabetes can appear in your hair [EXCLUSIVE]
Five diabetes signs to spot in your feet, according to a podiatrist [SIGNS]
Reverse type 2 diabetes naturally with doctor's two tips [EXPERT]
3. Brown patches on your shins
Another type of discolouration caused by diabetes can be spotted on your shins in the form of brown patches.
The doctor explained that this is known as diabetic dermopathy, and is considered “the most common skin sign” with diabetes.
4. Yellow-orange patches on your shins
While this is less common, another type of skin sign that can appear on your shins is yellow-orange discoloured patches, known as necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum.
5. Skin infections
Diabetics are more likely to have skin infections, including yeast infections.
Dr Walter explained that these can occur in the folds of the skin, where it’s moist and sweaty, so between the fingers and “then elsewhere”.
6. Itchy and dry skin
The last telltale sign is really itchy, dry skin. “If your moisturiser is not cutting it, always consider diabetes,” the dermatologist added.